Klarinet Archive - Posting 000447.txt from 1998/06

From: "John Grindstaff" <jgrindstaff@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Re: [kl] Plastic Clarinets Was: [kl] Re: Normandy Clarinet
Date: Sat, 13 Jun 1998 00:31:00 -0400

I am currently in an Army Band and have been for 11 years. Usually it has
been left up to me as section leader to determine which clarinet (Plastic or
Wood) goes on the field. The commander (director) does not have time nor
should he get involved in deciding which horn we use. We can be charged
with negligence and pay repair bills ourselves if we don't use good sense
determining which clarinet to use.

I have had the policy of Plastic for field & marching jobs (with exceptions
for special circumstance) and wood for concerts. Another policy that I have
used with success is to allow wood clarinets except for bad weather. I have
only had one commander who ammended this policy by having us use our R13
clarinets exclusively. He felt the sound was more important than the wear
on the instrument. I spent 2 hours in rain with it once. The clarinet
actually still worked afterword because we immediately performed full
maintenance on the horns (it did reduce the lifespan between overhauls).
The Commander knew the risks and he adjusted the budget to pay the bill.

On the matter of the ownership of the instruments. The Army issues the
clarinets to you (1 plastic, 1 Wood). If you prefer your own horn the Army
will not buy it for you or repair it for you. You foot the bill. Some
Bands instruments are in better shape than others and some personal
instruments are better than the ones issued.

The four Army Bands I have been in have been responsible for their own
budget and procurement. I believe for the most part we have paid close to
the wholesale price. But then every clarinet I have been issued has been at
least 5 years old. One was actually about 20 years old. It seems shiny new
trombones have priority (Must be on the front row where the VIPs see them).

John Grindstaff
1st Cavalry Division Band

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